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Can the Buccaneers repeat?

Editor's note: This is the third in a three-part series previewing the area varsity girls basketball teams. Today is Grand Haven, which opens its season on Friday at home against Traverse City Central.

Matt DeYoung

Dec 1, 2011

1. How will the Buccaneers live up to their lofty expectations after going 26-1 a year ago? The expectations are certainly there for Grand Haven. The Buccaneers are sure to be one of the top-ranked teams when the state rankings are released, and every team, especially those rivals in the O-K Red, would love nothing more than to knock the Bucs off their pedestal. The fact that Grand Haven returns three starters (Alex Law, Shar’Rae Davis and Abby Cole), along with several other players who saw plenty of playing time a year ago, should help the Buccaneers remained focused and hold off all challengers this winter.

2. With so many players returning, who are the new faces that Buccaneers’ fans will see on Tuesday and Friday nights? Newcomer Hannah Wilkerson, a transfer from Grand Rapids NorthPointe Christian, will give Grand Haven fans plenty to cheer about. The 5-foot, 10-inch forward will likely start at the small forward spot for the Bucs. Coach Katie Kowalczyk-Fulmer describes Wilkinson as a tremendous defender and a capable scorer on offense. Sophomore Taylor Craymer is a 6-foot guard who will also see plenty of time on the court.

3. What’s the ceiling for this Grand Haven team? The Buccaneers could be as good as last year’s 26-1 squad, and the potential is there to be even better. An undefeated regular season and another trip to the Breslin Center are certainly possibilities, although a loss or two along the way might not be the worst thing ever for the Bucs. There’s undeniable pressure about carrying an undefeated record late into the season and deep into the state tournament. The ultimate goal for this team, according to coach Katie Kowalczyk-Fulmer, is to win a state championship, and that goal is certainly within reach.